Think about it, every decision you’ve made until now was governed by a force in your life, whether you realized it or not. From seemingly insignificant decisions like what you would eat for breakfast or wear to work, to life-altering decisions about who you would marry, or where you would live, every choice can be brought back to the same source.

Yes, who we are dictates what we decide, but what we decide also dictates who we are. It is a continuous, evolving cycle and whether you are aware of it or not, it is at work in your life right now. I call it the “principle-practice” model.

Spring is on its way where we live and with the warmer sunshine-filled days comes the melting of snow. And we have a LOT of snow. What happens when giant banks of snow dissolve into water? Puddles. Around our neighbourhood they tend to resemble miniature lakes, where you’re liable to get wet up to your knees. Is there anything more satisfying to a child than coming across a giant puddle, and running through it with reckless abandon?Continue reading →

In this video, we share with you a simple and yet very powerful technique. It has the potential to change your perspective, the way you look at every situation and how you feel about your circumstances.

Superman’s suit worn by Christopher Reeve. Photo taken at the EMP Museum in Seattle.

I remember being 6 years old running on my home’s wrap-around porch and suddenly opening my Spring jacket pretending to be Superman. Then I would run back inside and ask my mom to snap my jacket back up so I coould do it all over again. You see, most of the time I felt more like Clark Kent than Superman. Growing with a disability, I felt fragile and was very dependent on others but imagining I was Mr. Kent gave me hope of becoming a hero.

As I got older, I got stronger and more confident. I developed a strong sense of responsibility, a love for helping people and fixing problems. You might say that those are noble traits, and for the most part you’d be right. These character traits helped me stay out of trouble, gave me purpose and shaped me into a dependable person. But I also developed a hero complex.

I really enjoy reading. I don’t have as much time to do it as I’d like, and I will sometimes opt for the mental ease of watching television before I pick up a book, but I do enjoy reading. I hesitate to call myself a “reader” in the same way that someone who jogs recreationally hesitates to call themselves a “runner”. To them I always say, if you’re running voluntarily, then you’re a runner. The same sentiment could apply to reading as well, I suppose.

Here’s a quick overview of the closet that JF and I share. We try to keep a fairly simple wardrobe, keeping pieces that we enjoy and wear on a regular basis. There’s no “right amount” of clothing, that is a personal choice based on your own preferences, space limitations, and lifestyle. We try to donate/repurpose anything worn out or that doesn’t fit anymore, as well as pieces that no longer fit our stage of life or circumstances (i.e. a maternity top when I am no longer pregnant). I don’t go into detail of all my clothing but what you see includes all of my workout/exercise clothing, and all of my more “regular” clothing, excluding undergarments and pyjamas – the same goes for JF’s side of the closet. Here are my 3 tips for how to keep your wardrobe simple and enjoy a tidier closet in the process!

I don’t know a parent out there who doesn’t want good kids. The problem is, we all have different ideas of what “good” looks like. For some it means kids who behave well in public, while for others it means kids who will be successful in school, or will grow up to have a lucrative career. For us, it means kids who love God and love others; who know who they are and aren’t afraid to live it and who desire to have a positive impact in the world. Sounds pretty lofty, doesn’t it? Perhaps, but we believe it is achievable, especially with consistent practice of these five concepts.

The other morning as I was getting clothes for my daughter to wear to school, I opened her sock drawer and reached for her last pair of clean socks. Internally I told myself “We’ll have to get her more socks.” Immediately my mind started to debate itself: “Do you really need more socks or do you just have to do laundry?”

Kitchens are one of the busiest rooms in the home and as such, can also become the most cluttered and chaotic. I’ve been trying out things to help keep it clean and simple, so here I share with you my 5 tips to keep a simple kitchen.

1. Clear the fridge. By removing almost everything from the surface of the fridge, it makes a much cleaner kitchen, both in the look of it and the actual surface. Eliminating cards, pictures, and calendars from the fridge can by done by hanging them somewhere else. For me, I chose to look inside the cupboards and that is where I place anything I need quick visual access to. You’re likely opening many cupboards frequently enough that it can also be a great place to put artwork or anything else that makes you smile.

I was looking at my wedding band the other day and realized that I have become so accustomed to wearing it that I rarely look at it or even notice it anymore, it feels like it’s a part of me. On one hand, it shows that I’ve been married for awhile and that through the joy and hardships of life, Cheryl and I are a part of each other. On the other hand, I think I’m not taking full advantage of the power of the ring!

I have a simple technique that will help you to use your wedding ring in a new way; it will help you to see the best in your spouse.